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Letter to Teachers and Educations |
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URL Resources |
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Children's Village |
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Schedule of Entertainment |
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Questions and Activities |
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Passport |
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Back to the Study Guide Page |
Letter to Teachers and Educators from Shana Banana
Dear Educator:
The Florida Seminole Indians are one-of-a-kind. Native to the state of
Florida for thousands of years, they have never signed a formal peace treaty
with the United States. In the face of persecution, deportation, and
relocation during the 19th century, they fought U.S. troops and found
protection in the South Florida swamps, where they remained isolated from
other populations well into the 20th century. Today, the Seminoles are one
of only two federally recognized American Indian tribes in Florida, with a
population of 2600 living primarily on six reservations in the central and
southern parts of the state. As on of the most successful tribes in America,
the tribe has succesfully preserved ancient traditions, language and culture
while embracing the 21st century with strong national leadership, cultural
pride, and business and technological acumen.
In my work with elementary schools and preschools as "Shana Banana," I have been amazed to find that students have very limited knowledge of a culture that is, quite literally, in their own backyards (The Seminole reservations are all easily accessible by Interstate and other roadways). Concepts of Native Americans in general are still stereotyped and outdated; there is a critical need for a modern curriculum in Seminole studies. Such a curriculum would serve to stimulate a spark of awareness in students about what is here and now, develop a better historical perspective, and go far towards dispelling the stereotypical misinformation which exists in much of the currently available Native American curricula. Other artists, such as Buffy St. Marie (www.cradleboard.org) have addressed these same needs with their own regional tribes.
While creating an education and outreach program for the Seminole Tribe, we have discovered that there are very few resources for teachers currently in existence. It is our hope that the development of this study guide will be a first step in creating an extensive curriculum for students of all grade levels.
Because Seminole-related events (powwows, festivals, etc.) occur on a regular basis, and because there are Seminole reservations open to public access across the state of Florida, many of the lesson plans are designed to work in conjunction with field trips to such destinations. For those teaching out of state, "virtual" field trips to Seminole Indian country are as easy as a keystroke (www.seminoletribe.com). Students can access information on events, and send e-mails to the Seminole Tribe.
Any suggestions, feedback, comments, etc. regarding this website and the application of this curriculum in your classroom would be welcome. Please send any correspondence to Shana@shanabanana.com or peteg@semtribe.com.
Happy Studying!
Sho-naan-bish
Shana Banana
Music and Fun for Kids!
www.shanabanana.com
Back to the Study Guide Page.
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